What Happened
US Aviation Prepares For Expanded Wireless Spectrum
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced plans to issue a final rule requiring all radio altimeters to meet new minimum interference-tolerance standards when operating in the US. The move comes as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) clears the auction of Upper C-band spectrum, which will be used for new wireless services. Radio altimeters, which provide critical height-above-terrain data, will need to be upgraded or replaced to ensure safe operations in low-visibility conditions. The FAA estimates that roughly 58,600 altimeters will need replacement or upgrade, with the FCC establishing a rebate program to offset retrofit costs. This development was first reported by AeroTime.